International Yoga Training Centres

RYS 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course

Himalaya Yoga Valleys 500 hour program is regarded within the yoga field to be one of the most innovative and transformational advanced training courses for trainees looking to take their personal practice, teaching skills, and specialist knowledge to the next level.

Our 500 Hour Level 2 Training Course is a continuation of the Level 1 200 Hour syllabuses at an advanced level, for an additional 300 hours study and skills training. The Level 2 Course is unique to Himalaya Yoga Valley in its concept, wherein trainee teachers have the opportunity to undertake an optional Elective Unit which enables them to develop a body of knowledge and portfolio around a specialised area of yoga they are interested in pursuing within a supportive and expert environment. Portfolio development is done in a supportive environment with the assistance of experienced teaching staff across all modalities.

Testimonial – It’s been a very powerful and life altering decision and probably one of the best investments I could have ever made in myself. Thank you for everything. I know I couldn’t have accomplished this without the training I received at Himalaya Yoga Valley.

Maureen (USA) 500 Hr TTC, Jan 2015

In parallel, a strong emphasis is placed on learning to teach advanced techniques and at the same time developing personalpractice. The 500 Hr training is an all-encompassing program. This course is suitable for teachers who have been teaching to the public who wish to enrich their practical and theoretical body of knowledge and also a great reintroduction to teaching immersion for those who have completed a 200 hour TTC but require extra coaching to take the step to becoming a teacher. On completion of the additional 300 hours of the Level 2 Teacher Training, a 500 hour Certificate is awarded. The training is recognised by Yoga Alliance UK and Yoga Alliance USA.

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Now that you have that strong Level 1, 200 HR foundation as a yoga teacher, in the advanced training you will build on that foundation in a more creative and less linear way. The additional 300 hour training that makes up your 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training qualification is structured with integrity to ensure you are not rushed or time burdened yet still constantly stimulated by challenging, creative and relevant learning outcomes. A strong emphasis will be placed on deepening your personal practice during the training under Yogacharya Lalit’s guidance.

If you’d like to download a full PDF version of our Yoga Teacher Training Prospectus all you need to do is Say Hello…

Outline of our 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus

Asana

There is a two-tiered approach to asana in this Level 2 training. The first level is geared towards trainees deepening their personal practice and progressing towards a peak relative to their individual constitutions, physical abilities and personal goals. The second tier is dedicated to learning to teach a series of asana derived from the Ashtanga Primary Series.

Trainees are encouraged to balance challenging themselves through the Primary Series with a deep respect for their bodies and individual needs. Teachers will explore their personal practice experiences in relation to teaching practices – any personal asana limitations will be approached as an opportunity to explore alternative postures, props and modifications and these limitations will be utilized as teaching opportunities and areas of growth.

Trainees are guided in led classes through the Ashtanga Primary series by Yogacharya Lalit as per his Lineage, with an emphasis on individual progress relative to the trainees own starting point. There is a strong focus on correct alignment and progression through receiving physical and verbal adjustments. By using a variety of traditional Mysore style of learning and daily led practices, trainees will become familiar with the entire Ashtanga Primary series, increasing their knowledge of each individual posture.

This combined two-tiered approach brings emphasis to the importance our own practice experience and development that has on our teaching. Experience through application will ensure that teachers leave feeling confident in teaching new asana and being able to keep the teaching of advanced asana accessible and inclusive of all students, always reflective of meeting students where they are at in their practice.

The daily asana practice will be varied, all classes will include cautions, contraindications, modifications, and alignment, using props and anatomical information to further Trainees personal and teaching practice. Trainees will learn from the different families of asana; Arm balancing, backbending, hip opening, twists, inversions. Deepening of physical practice will be facilitated under the guidance of Yogacharya Lalit and his teaching team during led classes with the final week having an emphasis on Mysore style practice to encourage self-determination and personal responsibility and commitment towards future self-practice.

Testimonial-From the moment that I contacted Himalaya Yoga Valley I felt secure and confident that I was going to the right school. Their approach to every little detail was so professional and when departing on my 200Hr for India on my own I knew that I had nothing to fear. The lectures,meditation and asana practice, Ayurveda, philosophy and anatomy were taught to such a high standard that by the time you have finished the course you are equipped with all the knowledge you need to start teaching with confidence. You meet people from all over the globe and they all become your friends because of the intense bond you share from the time you spend together learning. The Himalaya staff become like your family because of the guidance and love they show you throughout the teaching and when you leave they support you throughout your teaching journey. The 200Hr and the 500Hr training have been the most life changing experiences for me. Thank you to all at Himalaya Yoga Valley

Angela Rogers Kaveri Yoga (South Africa) 200 & 500Hr Grad

Our Ratings

Personal Practice

Yogacharya Lalit will guide you in deepening your personal practice using a variety of sequences and asana variations including a series inspired by the Ashtanga Primary Series and other daily classes that will be dedicated to specific themes such as hip opening, back bending, arm balancing and inversion sequences. Deepening and developing your personal practice will be a priority on this training. This will be relative to your existing practice and will therefore be non competitive yet definitely challenging and rewarding in relation to where you are in your practice. The objective is for trainees is to significantly deepen their personal practice and improve their alignment, asana knowledge in understanding the use of posture variations, props, and in turn apply their personal experience of growth to their teaching practicums.

Please note that all levels of practitioners with a strong sense of discipline are heartily encouraged to take this journey with Yogacharya Lalit and his team to deepen their practice. Your progress, practice and development is relevant to you as an individual, not your neighbour which is the reference point we work from and encourage our trainees to embrace.

This objective will be facilitated under the guidance of Yogacharya Lalit during led classes. The final week of the course will have an emphasis on reinforcing learning outcomes, personal asana progress and development through Mysore style self-practice classes to encourage self-determination and personal responsibility and commitment towards future self-practice.

Teaching Series

Under the guidance of Yogacharya Lalit, trainees will teach a series of asana inspired by and derived from the Ashtanga Primary Series. The objective is to deconstruct, analyse and understand each asana on an anatomical, pranic, physical, therapeutic and psycho-emotional level. Trainees are encouraged to use their personal practice experience as a tool to develop and undestand the importance of offering posture variations in order to grow teaching skills and bring this understanding to teaching future classes. Using the teaching series of 52 postures as a learning platform, on a daily basis trainee will practice to teach all elements of the advanced asana in preparation for course teaching practicums. Through the teaching series, trainees increase awareness of adjusting postures they teach to suit the individual needs of their future students. Furthermore, trainees will gain an understanding of how to modify certain postures within a variety of asana series inspired by and derived from the Ashtanga Primary Series, as well as learn building blocks on how to assist students in being able to systematically improve various postures through the use of modifications and props.

Asana Alignment Techniques

A necessary requirement for any yoga teacher to be a safe, confident and credible teacher is to be able to visually assess their students’ alignment during classes and be able to offer them physical and verbal adjusting cues to rectify common misalignments, prevent injury and increase therapeutic, energetic and physical benefits of the postures. During the 500 Hour yoga teacher training, through a hands-on approach, trainees will continue to develop their understanding and their teaching skills around common misalignments, correct alignment and the application of physical and verbal cues to guide their future students. In line with traditional yoga, trainees will learn to apply the use of modifications in asana and use of props in order to assist their students to access depth and correct alignment in their yoga postures. Trainees will learn that alignment is not merely mechanical, but that it is about ensuring quality integration within the body, leading their students to a state of steadiness & ease (sthira and sukha) and a process of refinement creating a stabilising structure.

Asana Adjustment Techniques

Understanding the principles of alignment and adjusting is base foundational knowledge learned on 200 hour training, During the 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, trainees will further improve their adjusting skills under the guidance of Yogacharya Lalit, using traditional Mysore adjustment techniques to assist trainees in guiding their future students towards deeper expressions of the postures. A strong emphasis is placed on correct alignment as a pre-cursor for enhancements through adjusting. This grows their existing core skills in adjusting and brings trainees to a higher level in physical adjustment techniques for advanced asana based on anatomical and energetic rationale for the 500 hour teaching series.

Class Sequencing Techniques

These lectures are structured to expand your knowledge of how to construct asana classes in a safe and meaningful manner to meet the needs of students. One part of this unit will guide trainees to understand sequencing classes around optimising the health of their students through structuring asana classes around Yoga for the systems. The second part within the sequencing unit will be focused on developing appropriate class sequences for specialised groups of students, with an emphasis on Yoga as Therapy. This second part has been developed to guide teachers through class construction skills required to assess the needs, fears and appeals of their target group/students, in order to learn how to cater or develop specialised sequencing from a holisitc, inclusive and therapeutic perspective.

Chakras & Mantras

This Unit is a continuation of the 200 Hour lectures on the Chakras and nadis at a deeper level. Understanding the functions of the chakras is an integral part of a yoga teachers’ knowledge. This Unit is compiled to simply yet effectively allow trainees to learn about these energy centres which are vortices of pranic energy continually controling the circulation of prana throughout our entire body, balancing our physical, emotional and mental health. Trainees to learn about the chakras; effects, deficiencies. Trainees understand the Chakras in relation to the physiological systems, and how Yoga asana, Pranayama, Meditation and Chanting can restore balance and optimize health of students. Trainees will also explore the Yantras, pictorial depictions of the 7 chakras; their importance, symbolism, use and benefits during meditation

Ayurveda

Ayurveda as a word transcribes to the Science of Life or the Science of Longevity. One of the most ancient medical and health systems in the world, it adopts a holistic approach to individuals physical, spiritual and mental health and the entire environment that surrounds one. It is an integral part of traditional yoga, where practicing a yoga lifestyle incorporates the intake of sattvic food, harmonious relationships, balance in physical and mental spheres of our bodies and by consistent practice of asana, pranayama, chanting, kriyas and meditation. With the expert guidance of Dr. Rohit, Borkar, renowned Goan Ayurveda physician, trainees will learn the ayurvedic approach to a living a balanced lifestyle relative to their future students and also themselves as teachers. This Unit is a continuation of the 200 Hr. Ayurveda syllabus. For teachers who have not Graduated from Himalaya Yoga Valley training there is ample information on the basics of Ayurveda in our manuals and in the Centre yoga library available to review.

During these interesting lectures, trainees with gain an understanding of the three Gunas of sattva, ajas and tamas and their influence on the physical, mental and pranic body. They will also learn about Ayurveda relative to age, health, lifestyle and seasons. Trainees will learn how, based on Ayurvedic dosha types, to develop a lifestyle program for vata, pitta and kapha types. This will be a balancing/ reducing program for a vata, a pitta and a kapha dosha types.Trainees will learn about the dosha subtypes relative to the Vayu Trainees learn the requirements for a balanced dosha and will be able to design basic lifestyle programs for future students to meet their health needs Trainees will learn further on the basic body tissues which support the body functions Trainees will learn specific asana that are most suitable for balancing each of the 3 dosha types.

Anatomy

Adam will take you through some fascinating subjects specifically designed for yoga teachers such as body web; tensegrity; foundations; Knee mechanics ; Hips – the keystone of our architecture; Yoga and Spinal mechanics; the Ribcage and breathing and Emotional Anatomy just to name a few.

Through the series of informative, interactive and engaging anatomy classes, Trainees will go on an anatomical journey related specifically to yoga, movement, body mechanics and its effects and health benefits. The teaching style is aimed at making anatomy relevant to yoga teachers for application to their wide variety of student unique body types, presenting injuries, injury prevention, muscular and joint relief, postural improvement and identify and prescribe various asana to improve strength and flexibility. Yoga teachers who can understand and apply theses concepts of structural yoga in their classes will be reaching a high level of the teaching realm. The following are some of the realms of understanding trainees can expect to gain.

A working understanding of the anatomical mechanics of the feet, knees, hips/ pelvis, ribcage and shoulder girdle using this knowledge to improve students’ structural balance and posture thought the application of postural assessments

A working understanding of the spine (anatomical and energetic)

The importance of the occipital muscles as connected to the inner ear determining how these muscles lead the rest of our muscles, ultimately impacting on spinal health

A working understanding of flexibility relative to injuries and recovery

Understanding the anatomy of the breath and how to improve its efficiency for the respiratory organs

Understanding the anatomical concepts for healthy immune system and a healthy digestion

Understanding the anatomical effects and benefits of Yoga asana and be able to prescribe various asana to improve strength, flexibility, provide muscular and joint relief, improve postural and structural imbalances and understand the physiological effects and benefits provided by Yoga asana.

Yoga Business

Hands on and practical classes based on the modern yogis business needs! This class is a step up from your previous learning covering areas such as Web Design; Advertising- business cards flyers, SMM, mags, Google etc; workshops – wo to go; business sustainability etc.

Through immersion, trainees gain a working understanding of the key concepts of Strategic Business Planning required for developing a sustainable yoga business. This is applied in real time during their business development for their 300 Hr. TTC Portfolio. Areas covered during these lectures and portfolio forums are the Principles of Strategic Planning including Core Value, Vision and Mission Statements. They gain an understanding the key success measures to evaluate business outcomes, the importance of SWOT analysis, identification and segmentation of target markets for trainee chosen areas of specialization, in addition to marketing, branding and promotions concepts. Trainees will learn about Social and Digital media considerations necessary for reaching today’s large digital markets. Included in these lectures are information about webpage content necessities and what to avoid; gaining an understanding about the ‘look and feel’ features of a website and the opportunities gained from interactive features, blogging and yoga articles.

During the Business Units, trainees will learn about the key components required for a simple and concise Business Plan in addition to understanding the critical importance of having a Business Plan as the roadmap to achieving goals and objectives.

Daily Meditation Chanting and Pranayama

Pranayama

As we learned and experienced in Level 1 teacher training, prana is our Life Force. Pranayama practice is about controlling the breath to produce physical, emotional and mental effects and benefits. A competent yoga teacher aims to teach students to incorporate a consistent pranayama practice in their daily lives for overall improved health and wellbeing. In this advanced 300 training, trainees learn advanced pranayama techniques to build upon those already in hand.

Meditation

In Level I Teacher Training we learned that all paths of yoga untimely lead to meditation. Yoga Teachers in tune with their students realise that having the ability to pass on the techniques to practice mediation is invaluable in this present day and age of workplace and daily living stress and tension. Building on the skills for teaching basic meditation and ones for own practice, in this advanced training, Pataljali’s 7th Limb, dhyna is explored further and practiced at deeper levels.

Mantras

Chanting mantras is a central aspect of traditional yoga where there is a mantra for every event of life- illness, celebration, challenges, relationships, education etc. During the training through actively chanting mantras, trainees will experience and be able to pass on to their students, the physical and physiological benefits of mantra chanting in yoga practice.

A firm and solid teacher lead daily morning practice as per the 200 Hour program to begin with (with a more advanced meditation and different chants) and student lead experiential/exploration meditation practices as the course progresses. Further studies of benefits of meditation e.g integrating meditation for the treatment of depression.

Pranayama and Kryias:

The advanced techniques taught theoretically are with an ayurvedic perspective and a regular practice of Jal and Sutra neti and daily practices such as oil pooling.

Classroom management/ teaching methods

Communication skills and techniques including public speaking workshop; troubleshooting clinic based on your most frequent teaching issues

Classroom Management

Competent and safe yoga teachers demonstrate that classroom management is more than teaching asana; it ensures that their yoga classes run smoothly by controlling internal and external factors that can be disruptive in the classroom to one or more of the student group. It means creating an environment where all comers are valued and able to develop their practice. Some examples of classroom management skills are preparedness for inappropriate and disruptive behaviour, managing different levels of practice in classes, noise, unexpected incidents , room set up, latecomers and a host of other situations that need planning in advance or managed as they occur. Classroom management skills and qualities best employed by experienced teachers are assertiveness, compassion, knowledge, decisiveness, communication skills, integrity and an ability to read students’ needs at short notice. This Unit assists trainees to build their confidence around classroom management thereby adding another element to their teaching skills.

Teacher Communication Skills

A teacher’s voice is the most important teaching tool required to be a successful teacher. Teaching confidence, skills, ability and knowledge are wasted if a teachers voice does not reach its capabilities. In this Unit, trainees develop a heighten awareness about the criticality for yoga teachers to possess effective verbal and non verbal communication skills in order to educate, coach, energise, motivate and develop their students.

First, there is an overview of general communication skills applicable to daily life in the workplace, interpersonal interactions in our community, with family, friends etc. To follow is a review the different Learner types from the 200 Hr. syllabuses and then the lecture drills down deeper to additional specific communication skills required by yoga teachers.

Philosophy

A continuation and deepening of the 200 hr subjects further exploring the sutras and Swami Veda’s teachings. Trainees to compare Pantajalis 8 limbs to other significant Yogic texts; Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Trainees will explore what it means to be liberated. The journey to Kaivalya and looking at the rest of the Sutras.

Trainees will be comparing with other philosophical observations of the Mind (Manas-Buddhi-Chitta-Ahamkara vs. Patanjali’s Mind, kleshas) and how in more recent times more has been written about the similarities between Vedanta and Yoga – especially in some Swami Rama texts.

Trainees will continue to explore the theme of liberation within Bhagavad Gita. The history and relevance of Bhagavad Gita and comparison to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras – looking at recurring themes or significant differences.

Drawing upon personal inquiry work based on Ram Dass’s workbook ‘Path of Love’ which works with the Bhagavad Gita.

Trainees will look at the development of Yoga – body-mind-spirit connection with Hatha Yoga, again comparing to the mind-based yoga philosophy of Patanjali – Exploration of the Hatha Yoga texts relevance to us today as modern yogis. Introspection will be developed in regard to the body, mind and spirit through discussions forums using Hatha yoga principles and Patanjali’s philosophy.

Enrolment Prerequisites

Trainees must have completed a 200 Hour Training Course from a reputable training school and provide references from their previous school. Himalaya Yoga Valley 200 Hour Graduates are automatically eligible for enrolment in this training. As per our 200 Hour training requirements trainees will be expected to have a mature outlook, positive attitude and strong sense of self discipline and self determination in relation to their personal practice.

RYS 500 Hour TTC

Reviews

I believe that you came in to my life not just as a yoga teacher but also as a mentor with so much wisdom, compassion and understanding of life, I want to thank you for enriching our lives each time. You are a great teacher and a guru. I truly admire your sincerity and dedication to the path of yoga and meditation. Regards

Himalaya Yoga Valley is truly remarkable. From the teachers, to the chef's, to the staff. Every part of my Experience with them is treasured. Their willingness to continue learning and training after completion of their course is outstanding and I for one feel I have got my moneys worth 10 times over. The campus in Goa is in the perfect location, just far enough from town for it to be peaceful but not too far that you can't hear the sea. The food was so delicious and healthy I felt like I had been given a new body. I managed to make friends for life and most importantly, I made friends with myself.
The have given me the tools needed to do what I adore for a living and pass on the wonderful teaching of Yoga.

I completed my 200 hr YTT with Himalaya Yoga Valley in Goa in early 2016. It was an amazing experience which gave me life long friends, a better understanding of myself and a firm footing in my yoga journey - and the food was delicious! I hope to return next year to complete another of their workshops if possible.

I completed my 200 hours at HYV-Goa last year and it was the best decision ever! The faculty is simply brilliant and Yogacharya Lalit is fantastic! I loved the accommodation, the food, the shala, and the beautiful location. The entire staff is more than willing to help and make your stay comfortable.The syllabus is perfectly crafted to make you a confident and knowledgeable teacher. Even though you are away from home, you are embraced as a family member at HYV. I know I'm going back for sure!

Dream land....
Himalaya Yoga Valley...my pride ,family and second home...
Four years ago i was looking for a widow of change , i didn't know that Himalaya Yoga Valley was the door ... a door to a new peaceful loving and healthy life...
when i completed the 200 htt ,i was so sad leaving Mandrem , all the beautiful moments , the souvenirs and the lovely people i met...
the birds were the morning alarm to start the classes,
butterflies company all the way to the shala ,the huge trees ,the sunsets and the stories of the starfishes on the ocean....
One year later ,nostalgia took me to Spain for a yoga retreat to meet my teachers again , it was amazing ...
My plan for the 500 htt is my priority now .
next week a Swiss friend that i met during my ytt and was a very close friend is coming to visit me home in Beirut ...
Am so grateful ...
thanks Lalit ,Maeve ,Yogita,Adam,dr Rhohit ,all the teachers and staff for your love and support ...

My training at Himalaya Yoga Valley was thorough, dynamic and rewarding and gave me everything I needed to start teaching immediately after I graduated. The whole team are warm, knowledgable and supportive. I felt completely supported and cherished throughout the training and the guidance and support they offer all of their teachers after graduating is second to none. I have learnt so much from Lalit's guidance and he and the whole team work extremely hard helping you be the best teacher you can be. It is the best decisions I have ever made and I I can't recommend them enough, they are without a doubt one of the best trainings out there.

Himalaya Yoga Valley was the best experiences I have had in my life thus far. I do not even know if I could begin to possibly express in words how life changing it was for myself and all of the friends I have made along the way throughout this international program. It may sound cliche, but it was literally a dream come true. Everything that I had imagined and fantasized it would be, it was.. but more. The accommodations, the knowledge, the energy, the experience, the staff, the food, the vicinity, the fellow yogis, the location, just everything about it was absolutely perfect. Not only did my yoga practice grow and improve tremendously within those 30 days, but so did my mental health, spiritual connection and overall well being. Being that I live in the U.S.A., I am now able to share all of my traditional knowledge of yoga from where it originated in the East and share it with the western society with love and ease. Learning that Yoga is so much more than the physical asana practice has already brought so many benefits to the students I have been honored to teach. I am such a confident teacher and I feel very positive about my future having a certification from such an amazing program. I have been home from this training for just over a month and it is still something I talk about daily. My daily routines have Himalaya Yoga Valley integrated all throughout it. If you are looking for a teacher training program that supports your growth, gives you the tools to stand out and succeed in this growing field of Yoga teaching, this is the program for you. It is worth every tear, every dollar, every single drop of sweat that is shed. Do yourself a favor, step out of your comfort zone and become a Yoga Teacher through Himalaya Yoga Valley.

Thank you for this amazing life changing experience. You're truly best of the best. You're something else, much more that only teachers... you passing on not only knowledge, but hope, love and light into humans lives... Namaste

Himalaya Yoga Valley's 200hr yoga teacher training course is not only an comprehensive and professional training course, but also the most incredible journey of personal growth and empowerment.I will forever be grateful to the amazing teaching team for sharing their expertise with such enthusiasm, openness, compassion and sincerity.Everything was just perfect : a well balanced and fascinating curriculum, an inspiring teaching team, a serene location, delicious food, very comfortable accommodation, an amazing and diverse group of fellow students and the most peaceful and loving environment one could ever hope for.I completed the course feeling so much more confident with my personal practice, my understanding of yoga at its source and with my ability to share yoga with others.So much gratitude!

This is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life... I wish all my loved ones and anyone really could do this course. It is highly intelligent course for inner work and for strengthening your practice. I would do it a million times again with no thought. India is also very underrated and an incredible experience to have... loved every single moment of my journey, warmest staff and teachers... clean, affordable and comfortable facilities, amazing food. Wish I could be there again soon...

Thank you so much to the Himalaya Yoga Valley team! I completed my 200 hour teaching training in 2012 and found it to be an ideal foundation course to begin my teaching journey. Lalit, Eveanna, Maeve, Viriam, Adam, Tony, Yogita and Rohit combine intelligence and intuition to create a supportive environment throughout the training and beyond.

Without a doubt my month long teacher training at the Himalayan Yoga Valley was one of the best experiences of my life. The teachers are amazing. I came away with so much knowledge and the confidence to start teaching. The shala you train in is beautiful and the accommodation is really nice, which makes you feel comfortable. I would highly recommend this teacher training to anyone!

Hard to find a negative note on this experience, actually impossible. The teacher training with Himalaya Yoga Valley has been just amazing for me.
I got to know about Himalaya Yoga Valley through a fellow yoga teacher who had trained with them before. I based my decision to attend their training on this direct reference as well as on my personal research done afterwards on Himalaya Yoga Valley website as well as other students’ reviews. Everything was telling me that it was the right place for me. Because of this, I set quite high exceptions on this experience, and now I can say these expectations have not only been met, but largely overcome! For many different reasons.
First of all, the quality of the program: extremely professional, with an academic approach under various perspectives: variety of subjects dealt, perfectly-organised schedule, practical approach combined with theoretical lectures and study, development of each-student’s personal practice as well as theoretical study and practical experience of teaching techniques, personal study as well as team work, provision of valid and strong tools for becoming a good teacher straight after the training (which I found very important to realise the amount of the competences I was building though the training as well as for giving me the confidence of knowing that I would be able to teach with high standards right after the training).
Second of all, the quality of the teachers, none excluded. Under Lalit guidance, every teacher has contributed to passing her/his knowledge to us very effectively and thoroughly. All very high-level teachers; Lalit really outstanding. I can certainly say that Lalit will always be my master and I will always be his student, humbling trying to pass what I have learnt and will learn to my upcoming students.
Third of all, the incredible opportunity to live for an entire month focusing completely on myself, my self-development as well as the investigation of my inner-self. I realised how important it is and at the same time how difficult it is to do it in our every-day life. Mostly, I realised I did not have the “tools” to experience such investigation. And this is what I got from the training too. This deep personal understanding is really priceless to me.
Last but not least, the whole structure and amenities offered. Starting from the rooms, very comfortable and clean, to the yoga shalas, to the restaurant (serving delicious fresh veg food every day), to the swimming pool. Important to mention the location as well: Mandrem in Goa is a lovely village by the ocean, with a beautiful beach, easily accessible from the Himalaya Yoga Valley centre. Everything is walking-distance and the area is very safe.
To conclude it worth mentioning that, after only one month from the training, I had already the opportunity to cooperate with a studio in my city on a regular basis, having now classes scheduled for the whole new season. In addition to this, I am about to negotiate an agreement of cooperation with two other studios as from the start of the new school-year.

I graduated from 200hr YTT at HYVG almost a year ago now. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for choosing HYV to equip me with the tools I needed to feel confident in my teaching. I felt the course had the appropriate balance between all elements encompassing a holistic education on yoga. The staff were experienced, supportive and knowledgeable across the board. Moreover, as a first time solo traveller, I felt extremely safe throughout my time in India, which was something I felt a little apprehensive about before embarking on my journey. I would highly recommend this teacher training for those wanting to learn from a place close to the source of the practice.

Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre provides their students with an authentic and integrative Teacher Training course in beautiful and safe Goa, India. Studying in the country of origin under the supervision of Yogacharya Lalit provides you with a depth of knowledge in many facets of the yogic practice and lifestyle. You’ll leave as a teacher and lifelong student with values in accessibility, integrity, and respect towards the lineage. And that’s just speaking on the curriculum! Your fellow trainees will meet you from all corners of the world, and you’ll embark on an incredible experience together. The facility is gorgeous; the on-site villas are so clean and comfortable, the Centre cafe serves the most incredibly delicious and creative meals, and the yoga pups keep great company. Every member of the staff is available with kindness and care to welcome you, answering questions and sharing advice whenever needed. The neighborhood is safe and friendly with many markets for your everyday needs, fruits, massages/wellness, and shopping. Connecting with the local business owners was so much fun. I so appreciated the fullness of my time in India, and I know it will continue to inform and inspire me throughout my personal and professional life. I highly recommend HYVC for your YTT. Many thanks to Lalit, Maeve, Mandeep, Tony, Eveanna, Viriam, Adam, and Dr. Rohit. I am leaving with a full heart!

I first time met Yogacharya Lalit in Australia 2 years ago during his tour, I knew then I had to visit his Centre in Goa.
Lalit is a world class teacher, who is highly approachable with a great sense of humour.
I just attended a Yoga Retreat at Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre Goa and I'm already planning to come back to do my 500hr teacher training.
The facilities are very comfortable with really friendly staff in a clean, safe and secure environment. The restaurant offers a tasty and healthy vegetarian menu curated by head chef, Simon.
The Centre is a brief 10 minute walk into the quiet sunset town of Mandrem Beach, you will quickly make friends with the locals and restaurants.

HYV is a beautiful, well-run center for yoga students and teachers in the North of the Indian state of Goa. The center itself is comfortable and welcoming, and the facilities (including a sizable swimming pool and a terrific chef!!) round out the experience of training or retreats perfectly. The beach is a short stroll away and day-trips to all kinds of interesting place can be organized with the help of the staff of the center. The local Ayurvedic doctor has a clinic in the center (and another larger one nearby) so Ayurvedic treatments and massages can be incorporated into a stay.
It's my first time here (I'm a beginner) but it won't be my last.

This is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in your yoga practice. I spent here 10 days on a retreat and I have been excellently taken care of. From delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals to relaxing Ayurvedic treatments and massages. The yoga teachers are excellent, patient and very knowledgeable. The rooms are comfortable and clean. Himalaya Yoga Valley is a place where you will feel at home in India and in the beautiful Mandrem! I will definitely come back!

My first experience of yoga retreat in India at Himalaya yoga valley has been simply amazing.
An oasis of peace and nature where the sound of the birds and the tree leaves accompany you during yoga class.
As a beginner of Ashtanga yoga, I started loving it!
An ayurvedic center, a very good cook (note: I’m Italian) and great personnel complete the picture of the center.Additionally one of the most beautiful beaches of India is only at 10 minutes walk...What can I add? Namasté

Himalaya Yoga Valley Goa is the perfect destination for you if you seek to immerse yourself in the all of the magic of India, deepen your yoga practice, connect to yourself body, mind & spirit or simply to relax and recharge your batteries in a sunny location. Excellent coffee, vegetarian food, Ayurvedic treatments, pool facilities and expertly guided Yoga & Meditation practices are all available to you onsite. Guided day-trips are available also. Make new friends and explore the rich culture and history of Goa!

My time at Himalaya Yoga Valley was such an incredible and transformative experience. The course was so well organised and appeared to be completely seamless. Reflecting back on how much we managed to do in just a month, it’s clear that it’s the efforts of the wonderful staff which helped us to do so. I had fears about coming to India for the first time and being so far out of my comfort zone, but I’ve now come to see Mandrem as somewhat of a second home because of all the support that was readily available which actually gave me a sense of comfort. The course is a great mix of theoretical and practical and at the same time it is just a transformative journey that you can’t help but be changed for the better at the conclusion. We learned so much but never at a pace that seemed overwhelming. The way that we started teaching in pairs and how it led up to groups allowed for us to build up to teaching in a way that seemed natural and not forced. We also get to a chance to lead a meditation class which initially I was very scared to do but actually looking back it was my favorite part of my time at Himalaya Yoga Valley and a memory I will cherish for a lifetime. All the staff has a way of planting seeds and allowing us to grow in our own direction. I look at my my month in a Mandrem as such a privilege and would highly recommend this course to anyone!

I completed the 200 hrs teacher training at HYV Goa, March this year.
It was one of the best experiences I have ever done in my life. It was life changing.
I’m so grateful for the knowledge I gained throughout this course. I also felt a transformation within myself, connecting to mind, body and spirit.
The staff were amazing, very supportive and very professional. I felt safe and secure there.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone.

What a great experience it was to study at Himalaya Yoga Valley. As a high school teacher of 10 years I understand what makes good teaching and these guys have really got it right. They have a wide range of teachers specialised in their subjects including philosophy, Ayurveda, anatomy, asana, teaching methodology and lots more. The course is so well structured that you are learning so much without feeling too overwealmed.We were given a broad introduction to the path of yoga which many of us now realise is far more than postures. The accommodation and food was excellent and having the beach and amenities of Arambol close by were amazing.Keen to keep being inspired and continue the journey started at HYV.Thanks to All the TeamOm Tryambakum Yajama HeJoe

Attended the course with an open mind about my ability to teach and level of my knowledge. Left with so much understanding because of the high level of teaching from Lalits total professional team. Content and quality of information is first class.
For me it's been an incredible addition to my own personal journey.
Thank you.

The journey was incredibly profound. The sense of community among the group was inspiring. The teachers were professional and caring. I felt the passion and discipline of the yogic path from everyone at the Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre. I was looking for a sense of clarity in this training and received much more. I felt a sense of integration that will propel me to live in my true nature. Our dear teacher Lalit is one of a kind, a rare human being, a kind teacher willing to always share his knowledge and experiences with all without reservation. Aside from being an exceptional training the space provided by the Centre was conducive to the learning and sharing of a wide variety of yogic themes. I am deeply grateful for the experience, the friendships, the growth but most importantly the felt sense of community and love expressed by everyone. There will always be a place in my heart for all the teachers and staff members of Himalaya Yoga Valley.
Kindly,
Alejandra
Chesapeake, Virginia

Himalaya Yoga Valley's 200 hour Teacher Training gave me the best experience of my life. It's not just a Teacher Training but it gives you a whole month to experience the authentic lifestyle of Yogi's following the ancient practice of Ashtanga Yoga.
The teachers are some of the best yoga teachers I've ever come across, I totally trusted them with the responsibility of teaching me what I needed to know to be able to teach this beautiful practice.
Aside from the Teacher Training aspect, the 200 hours changed me as a person...for the better. It's something that is hard to describe in words, easier understood through experience.
I hope to see the centre and the teachers again in the future.

My wife and I did the 200 hour teacher training in Feb 2019. We thought this was going to be good. It was far better than we ever expected.We absolutely loved the course, we developed our practice in so many ways, and we learned so many new things to put into practice back at home.I would highly recommend these guys - a great team and a fantastic experience that we will cherish forever!